A pro-Europe demonstration has been held on the Gateshead Quayside to protest the passing of the Brexit Bill.

Parliament has paved the way for the Government to invoke Article 50 and begin the process of leaving the European Union.

Amendments proposed by the House of Lords to guarantee the status of EU residents, and to give Parliament a say in the final deal with the EU were both overturned in a vote by MPs on Monday.

Once the bill gains Royal Assent, Prime Minister Theresa May is expected to trigger Article 50 and launch Britain’s two-year withdrawal by the end of March.

In response, dozens from campaign group North East for Europe gathered by the Millennium Bridge on Tuesday lunchtime to voice their opposition and fears for post-Brexit Britain.

The North East for Europe protest on The Millennium Bridge, Gateshead (Image: Newcastle Chronicle)

Jacky Collins lives in Newcastle and is one of the founding members of the protest group.

She said: “There’s two reasons why we’re here today. The British Government is not speaking on behalf of 65 million people, and they talk about the will of the people to do with Brexit.

“We’re here to demonstrate there are other voices, and those voices are being silenced by the media and the politicians.

“We are here to stand along with our friends, our colleagues, our loved ones, who are EU nationals, and we’re here to say we don’t agree with them being used as bargaining chips in this whole scenario.

The North East for Europe protest on The Millennium Bridge, Gateshead (Image: Newcastle Chronicle)

“They should have a say and their human rights should be protected.”

Bridget Gubbins, 72, from Morpeth, was one of dozens to take part in the protest with her homemade banner reading ‘Angels for Europe’.

She said: “Between 1139 and 1157 Northumberland was ruled by the Scots, with King David and his son Earl Henry.

“It was in the time of the Anarchy under King Stephen, and I say we should bring back the border to Hadrian’s Wall in honour of Nicola Sturgeon.”

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The Lords’ demand for guarantees for EU citizens living in Britain was voted down by the Commons by 335 votes to 287, and their call for Parliament to be given a veto on the final defeat was defeated by 331 votes to 286.

Jacky, who was one of several protest organisers, stressed North East for Europe will stage further demonstrations in the coming months, and has argued Brexit is not a ‘done deal’.